[2026] A Collection of Graduation Songs Recommended for Gen Z [A Page of Youth]
Have you already decided on the songs to play at your graduation ceremony? For junior high and high school students, graduation songs are a special part of their youth.
The tracks that resonate with today’s Gen Z aren’t limited to classic choral pieces—there are also numbers that went viral on social media and songs with deeply moving lyrics.
In this article, we’re sharing plenty of graduation song recommendations for Gen Z to help anyone struggling to choose the right music for the ceremony.
These songs can bring back memories of days spent with friends and give you the courage to take your next step.
Be sure to check out these tracks that are perfect for such a special moment!
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[2026] Best Graduation Songs Recommended for Gen Z [A Page of Youth] (11–20)
Letter ~To You at Fifteen~Anjura Aki
A moving song built on a unique concept: a 15-year-old self and a future self exchanging letters.
Based on Angela Aki’s own experiences, the lyrics gently embrace the anxieties and conflicts unique to adolescence, while conveying the warmth of an older self who offers a kind push forward.
The beautiful piano melody and her powerful vocals stir the listener’s heart.
Released in September 2008 as her eighth single, it peaked at No.
3 on the Oricon Weekly Singles Chart.
Written as the set piece for the NHK National School Music Competition’s junior high division, it was also chosen as the theme song for the film “Have a Song on Your Lips.” It’s a classic I’d recommend not only to junior high students approaching graduation, but to anyone standing at a turning point in life.
March 9Remioromen
Music that gently wraps the days we spent together and our cherished memories is perfect for the start of graduation, isn’t it? This is the solo version by Ryota Fujimaki of the song Remioromen released in March 2004.
Set to a calm tempo, it portrays the radiance of a new beginning.
Through images of cherry blossoms that come to mind when you close your eyes and metaphors of light illuminating the future, it conveys not only the sorrow of parting but also the feelings of setting off on a journey filled with hope.
Originally written to celebrate a friend’s wedding, it became widely known as an insert song in the 2005 Fuji TV drama “1 Litre of Tears.” This version was released in 2017 as part of Ryota Fujimaki’s solo work.
If you pair it with a message of gratitude or a memory video with friends, it may make those irreplaceable moments even more moving.
CorrectRADWIMPS
A song by RADWIMPS that resonates with students’ hearts.
It delivers a powerful yet warm message to young people standing at the crossroads of graduation.
Originally created for the 18 Fes, an event for 18-year-olds in 2018, it was released digitally in January 2024.
Its lyrics delicately portray the journey of searching for the right answers in life and the shifting nature of friendship, sure to deeply touch students on the brink of graduation.
It’s a perfect track for the spring graduation season—why not give it a listen?
We againSG
A graduation song filled with memories and warmth that’s drawing attention is the work of SG.
Looking back on the carefree days, its gentle melody wraps around the feelings of parting and what comes after, warming the heart.
The lyrics, full of strength to move forward and hope for reunion, soothe many people as a piece that stands beside them at important milestones in life.
Since November 2024, it has also been featured in Calorie Mate’s exam-season support commercial, adding a new charm through a wind ensemble arrangement.
This piece was produced with the cooperation of the Hanazono Tokuei High School Wind Ensemble, and the music created together with the students delivers a moving resonance that crosses generations.
It is a fitting song to gently push you forward at graduations, farewell gatherings, and moments of parting with someone important.
YELLikimonogakari
An emotionally moving number by Ikimono-gakari, cherished as a staple graduation song.
Its lyrics don’t treat parting as something merely sad, but as a new beginning toward each person’s dreams—words that are sure to bring tears to your eyes.
Even while burdened by anxiety and inner conflict about the future—like having wings but being unable to fly—the image of confronting one’s own weakness and moving forward into tomorrow stirs everyone’s heart.
Released in September 2009 as a double A-side single alongside the bright, poppy “Joyful,” the song was also selected as a required piece for the NHK All-Japan School Music Competition.
Though gentle in tone, this powerful track resonates deeply, encouraging those taking a new step forward with the bonds of their friends in their hearts.